College Application Checklist
by Ved Shah
by Ved Shah
Senior year is an exciting but stressful time, especially during college application season. By this point in the fall, seniors should be working on supplemental essays, finalizing their college lists, and preparing to submit early action/decision applications. Even if you’re a little behind, it’s not too late to catch up! Here’s a checklist to help you keep track of what you need to do and when. For more information, please refer to the bulletin board located by the guidance office.
Application Deadlines:
List every college with Early Action (EA), Early Decision (ED), or Regular Decision (RD) deadlines
Work on early applications because most EA/ED deadlines are November 1-15
Regular Decision deadlines are usually January 1-15
Essays:
Finalize your personal statement & supplemental essays
Get feedback from a teacher, counselor, etc.
Make sure your final draft sounds like you — be honest, confident, and memorable!
Recommendations:
Ask teachers early — give them at least two weeks to write your letter
Provide each teacher with a brag sheet/resume that highlights your activities, goals, and accomplishments
Always send a quick thank-you note or email once they’ve finished — respect goes a long way!
Transcripts & Test Scores:
Confirm that the school has sent out your transcript
Send SAT/ACT scores if required
Check if your colleges are test-optional
David Brearley is offering the SAT on October 4, 2025, and June 6, 2026
Financial Aid & Scholarships:
Submit the FAFSA application (opened before October 1)
Complete the CSS Profile for private colleges
Look for local scholarships (many are due in November or December)
Organization Tips:
Keep a spreadsheet of deadlines & tasks
Set reminders a week before every deadline to give yourself adequate time
Final Advice:
Stay on top of your deadlines and keep everything organized, even when you feel that you may be falling behind. But most importantly, enjoy your senior year while it lasts!